Where to find the best media criticism: it’s in your DVD player:

The rise of the DVD and the sophistication of visual literacy has created a new form of media analysis and criticism that you should know about if you are a visual artist or performing artist. It’s the commentary track on the DVD of the movie you just rented or purchased.

If you want to get a moment by moment analysis of cinematography, art direction, lighting, acting, the structure of screenplays, the function of the various professionals who are involved in the filmmaking process, try watching (and listening) to the commentary after you see the movie. The commentaries vary in quality but I’ve never heard a bad one. Some have been a bit mediocre, but certainly not as bad as the worst of film criticism from on-line movie sites by self-proclaimed film critics or paid ones for that matter.

The author appears to be a disgruntled academic who is tired of the expense and uselessness of the typical college experience. It’s a pretty interesting blog with lots of ideas for independent learning along with general rants about education and tips for saving money while in school. Definitely worth checking out.

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